RED LINE: Sports bars are a dime a dozen, but few manage to nail all the elements as well as Kanpai does—casual indoor/outdoor seating, a plethora of TV screens, dartboards and food that’s several cuts above typical fried fare. Complimentary wireless Internet access make it easy to get inside and stay inside, with sporting events of all kinds playing on 11 flat screens that ring the room. Along with the flat screens there are three dart machines, multiple touch-screen game machines and a pair of heads-up poker video games that are new to the local bar scene.  With a raised central bar and three distinct seating areas, there are plenty of options for lunch and dinner customers in addition to the traditional late-night crowd at Kanpai.

You’ll want to sit inside for a good view of the action on TV, but visit on a Friday or Saturday night when a predominantly 20-something crowd descends on Kanpai, and you’ll probably end up at one of a dozen tables outdoors.  If you’re rolling deep during the week, try to grab a table in the area to the right of the front entrance. The room’s design makes this space feel a little more private, with a dedicated flat screen so you can still follow the game.  Otherwise, the large booth in the opposite corner is good for groups of four to six and provides a great perspective of everything going on in the bar.

Kanpai Bar & Grill located at 404 Ward Avenue   is open daily from 11am – 2am.  For more information visit their website at http://www.kanpaibarandgrill.com